Top 5 Goals: NWSL Matchweek 12 and International Break

Now is the time for the NWSL to shine as Europe’s domestic leagues have come to a close. The NWSL deserves to have all eyes on it as it continues to expand. Enjoy this time with all of the league’s major stars because in a few weeks, they’ll all depart to their national teams for the Olympics in August. Here are the Top 5 Goals from the NWSL and the International Break. 

5. Sophia Smith – USWNT

IMMEDIATE IMPACT FROM TRIN, MAL, AND SOPH!!!!!#USWNT x @VW pic.twitter.com/YlTpdlGVgX

— U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) June 5, 2024

Emma Hayes is in charge of the USWNT, and her tenure couldn’t have started any better. The United States outscored South Korea 7-0 over the two games, with the offense firing on all cylinders.

Their high press will always pose problems for other teams. In this case, it was Trinity Rodman who pounced quickly and started a counterattack in the blink of an eye. Rodman’s pass was perfect; Mallory Swanson did well to leave the ball when she could have tried to shoot it, and this setup Sophia Smith. Smith still had a lot to do and her finish was a very difficult one, the net was open but the angle was tight and Smith was falling over.

Somehow, Smith found the back of the net in style. Good luck to opposing defenses at the Olympics trying to stop Swanson, Smith, and Rodman on the counterattack. 

4. Kate Wiesner – Washington Spirit

WHAT A FIRST GOAL FOR KATE👏 pic.twitter.com/2uTzpIRg7o

— Washington Spirit (@WashSpirit) June 9, 2024

The former Penn State product made this goal look way easier than it was to score, and it was the first of her career. Kate Wiesner received the ball near the top of the box on a recycled corner kick and had her first effort blocked. Once the deflected ball came back to her, her body was still going away from the goal making it far more difficult to get her body to square up to the ball. In one quick motion, Wiesner wrapped her foot around the ball and fired the ball into the far corner from a tough angle. The Spirit have developed their young players incredibly well, and all of them are making an impact for Washington this season. 

3. Penelope Hocking – Chicago Red Stars

Penelope Hocking sends Wrigley Stadium into a frenzy with a stoppage time goal! pic.twitter.com/V9NDECU6fr

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) June 9, 2024

It was a historic day at Wrigley Field, where the Red Stars broke the NWSL all-time attendance record for a game. Sadly, their result against Bay FC didn’t go as planned, with Penelope Hocking providing a late stoppage-time goal. This was a high degree of difficulty from Hocking who watched the ball deflect high into the air. Hocking never lost her focus on the ball among a sea of bodies and managed to hit the ball on the volley and find the far corner. The Red Stars have a strong, young core to build around, and Hocking has a chance to become a star. 

2. Kiki Pickett – Bay FC

Kiki Pickett with her first NWSL goal, and it’s a beauty! 🚀

Catch this historic match on @IONNWSL 📺 pic.twitter.com/a2KZox1ajd

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) June 9, 2024

Kiki Pickett has emerged as a key player for Bay FC over the last few games. Going back to her days with Stanford at the College Cup, when the lights seem to be the brightest, Kiki Pickett plays her best games. Pickett simply read the situation once she picked up the ball. There wasn’t a pass to pick out; everyone was being defended, but there was enough space to step into a shot. The angle to curl the ball into the far corner was available, and Pickett executed to perfection.

1. Julie Doyle – Orlando Pride

What a finish 😱 Julie Doyle, take a bow!

Watch now on @SportsonPrime 📺 pic.twitter.com/SCh35WgKYq

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) June 8, 2024

Orlando is one of the best teams in the league and one of the reasons they’ve taken this next step up is Julie Doyle. Doyle is a former first-round pick who is living up to and even surpassing the expectations placed on a striker of her caliber. Barbra Banda played a big role in this goal as well. It was five versus two, with San Diego having a numbers advantage. That didn’t stop Banda from driving at the Wave’s backline.

The cross was slightly behind Doyle which is what actually allowed for the miraculous finish. Doyle is practically falling down but has the body control to jump backward, stop her body, and then flick the ball in with her trailing foot. This is like an acrobat in midair showing off a feat of strength while scoring a goal at the same time. This takes the cake for the best goal of the week. 

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